Chapter 37: The Return to Ayodhya
The great war had ended.
Ravana had fallen.
Sita had been reunited with Rama.
Vibhishana had been crowned the righteous King of Lanka.
For the first time in many months, peace returned to the island kingdom.
Yet Rama's exile was also nearing its end.
The fourteen years promised to his father, King Dasharatha, had almost been completed.
Rama turned to Vibhishana.
"My friend, it is time for us to return to Ayodhya."
Vibhishana bowed respectfully.
"My Lord, the Pushpaka Vimana, once belonging to Kubera and later taken by Ravana, is now yours. It can carry everyone safely to Ayodhya."
The magnificent celestial aircraft was brought before Rama.
It shone like the rising sun, adorned with gold, precious gems, and divine ornaments. Created by Vishvakarma, it could travel wherever its master desired.
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana boarded the Pushpaka Vimana.
Hanuman, Sugriva, Jambavan, Angada, Nala, Nila, Vibhishana, and many Vanara chiefs also accompanied them for part of the journey.
As the Pushpaka Vimana rose into the sky, Lanka slowly disappeared beneath the clouds.
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The Journey Home
During the flight, Rama gently pointed out the places that had marked their long journey.
"There is the battlefield where Ravana fell."
"There lies the great Rama Setu, built by the Vanaras across the ocean."
Sita looked down with gratitude.
She remembered Hanuman's first visit to the Ashoka Vatika and the countless sacrifices made for her rescue.
The Pushpaka then flew over Kishkindha.
Sugriva bowed before Rama.
The Vanaras celebrated the victory of Dharma.
Rama thanked every one of them.
"Without your friendship and courage, this victory would never have been possible."
From Kishkindha, the Vimana continued northward.
They visited the hermitage of Sage Bharadvaja.
The sage welcomed Rama with great joy.
After receiving his blessings, Rama called Hanuman.
"Go swiftly to Nandigrama."
"Inform Bharata that I am returning."
Hanuman immediately leaped through the sky.
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Bharata Awaits
In Nandigrama, Bharata had lived like an ascetic throughout Rama's exile.
He wore bark garments instead of royal robes.
He slept upon the ground.
He ruled Ayodhya only as Rama's representative, placing Rama's wooden sandals (Padukas) upon the royal throne.
Every day he counted the remaining days of the exile.
He had vowed that if Rama did not return at the exact completion of fourteen years, he would give up his life.
One morning, Hanuman arrived before Bharata.
Folding his hands, he said,
"O Prince Bharata, rejoice!"
"Lord Rama has defeated Ravana."
"Mother Sita has been rescued."
"Your brother is returning to Ayodhya."
For a moment, Bharata stood speechless.
Then tears of joy flowed from his eyes.
He embraced Hanuman.
"The happiest day of my life has come."
The entire city of Ayodhya erupted in celebration.
Roads were cleaned.
Homes were decorated with flowers and colorful banners.
Temples echoed with Vedic chants.
Citizens lit countless lamps to welcome their beloved prince.
The air was filled with the sounds of conches, drums, and joyous songs.
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The Reunion of the Brothers
Soon the Pushpaka Vimana descended near Nandigrama.
The moment Bharata saw Rama, he ran forward.
The two brothers embraced with tears in their eyes.
Fourteen years of separation ended in that single moment.
Lakshmana embraced Shatrughna.
Sita received the blessings of Queen Kausalya, Queen Sumitra, and even Kaikeyi, who deeply regretted the events that had led to Rama's exile.
Kaikeyi fell at Rama's feet.
"My son, forgive me."
Rama gently lifted her.
"Mother, there is nothing to forgive."
"Everything happened according to destiny and Dharma."
Peace returned to the royal family.
Bharata then placed Rama's Padukas back into his hands.
"My duty is complete."
"The kingdom belongs to its rightful king."
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The Coronation
A grand coronation ceremony was arranged in Ayodhya.
Sages including Vashistha, Vamadeva, and many others gathered to perform the sacred rituals.
Holy water was brought from the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri, and many sacred rivers.
Amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns, Rama and Sita were seated upon the royal throne.
Sage Vashistha placed the crown upon Rama's head.
Thus, Rama became the King of Ayodhya.
Sita was crowned Queen.
The heavens showered flowers.
The gods blessed the new rulers.
The people joyfully chanted,
"Jai Shri Rama!"
Hanuman stood quietly in a corner of the royal court.
Rama noticed him.
"My beloved Hanuman, come closer."
Hanuman bowed.
"My Lord, your servant seeks nothing."
Rama embraced him before the entire assembly.
"There is no gift equal to your devotion."
The Vanaras returned to Kishkindha with Rama's blessings.
Vibhishana returned to Lanka to rule with justice.
Peace spread throughout the kingdoms.
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Rama Rajya Begins
Under King Rama's rule, justice flourished.
No one suffered from hunger.
No innocent person feared injustice.
The rains came on time.
The harvests were plentiful.
People spoke the truth and followed Dharma.
The elderly were respected.
Children grew in happiness.
Merchants prospered.
Sages performed their sacrifices without disturbance.
The kingdom became a model of righteous governance.
This golden age came to be known as Rama Rajya.
Yet destiny had not finished testing Lord Rama.
Even after victory over Ravana, the responsibilities of kingship would demand painful sacrifices.
The story of Rama was approaching its final chapters.
His greatest challenge would not come from a battlefield...
But from the burden of ruling according to Dharma.